Lexington Medical Center unveils new rehab facility

Monday

Jan 7, 2013 at 12:00 PM

Wake Forest Baptist Health — Lexington Medical Center is unveiling a $1.7 million avant-garde project that promises to better accommodate those who are recovering from injury or illness and facilitate the process as well.

BY DWIGHT DAVISThe Dispatch

Wake Forest Baptist Health — Lexington Medical Center is unveiling a $1.7 million avant-garde project that promises to better accommodate those who are recovering from injury or illness and facilitate the process as well.LMC will debut its new rehabilitation services department with an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday.The facility centralizes physical, speech and occupational therapy in one location in the front portion of the former business services complex on the campus. The new space is approximately 10,000 square feet, triple the former space, which was scattered among four locations at the medical center.Plans to expand and modernize the facility were announced by the hospital last spring."We are so proud and thankful to be in our new area," said Monette Frye, director of rehabilitation services and a licensed physical therapist. "We hope the community will join us in celebrating our grand opening to see how we help patients recovering from injury or illness return to their normal lifestyle."The new area includes a gym with state-of-the-art equipment and a walking track for patients who need exercise to regain strength and improve balance as part of their rehabilitation. "The gym is the focus of our physical therapy and occupational therapy programs, helping patients recover from illnesses such as stroke, joint replacement surgery and injuries to muscles and nerves," Frye said.Patient parking is located in front of the building on a level lot.According to a news release, the new facility is receiving rave reviews from those already putting it to use."The open space and light makes the biggest difference," said Myra Thacker, a Lexington resident retired from Central Davidson High School. Thacker began her physical therapy in June. "The old space was like a cave. The large open space is a motivational factor to me. I'm willing to try something harder now. After my fall, I lost confidence, and my lifestyle was limited. After five months of therapy, I have regained my confidence and even feel good about driving again."Karen LeClerc, who is retired from Davidson Eye and lives at High Rock Lake, had one knee replaced last year and the other one most recently. "I am doing awesome. This is a state-of the-art facility that I would recommend to anyone. There is more equipment and more space, and we are treated like family."Carolyn Davis, a CPA and firm administrator at Turlington & Co., has been a patient several times over the years. "I appreciate the additional privacy in registration and in the treatment areas; that makes a big difference to me," she said. "The staff is wonderful, and now the facility matches the staff."Jack Byrd of Lexington is a volunteer in rehab services, having logged 300 hours last year. "Most of our patients come for months, so I get to know them," he said. "We do have more space with light, more equipment and more privacy and easy access, but the best part is that we still have the same staff. They work miracles here.""The environment for healing is better, and that is why we are here," Frye noted. "Our staff is fantastic and overjoyed at this wonderful opportunity to help people return to their normal lifestyles."Therapists have experience in special areas such as stroke, lymphedema, vertigo and McKenzie back treatments, says Frye, a Lexington native who has worked at the medical center for 32 years.LMC is able to increase the number of daily patient visits from 80 to approximately 100.Kathy Sushereba, communications director for LMC, said funding for the project came from the Lexington Medical Center Foundation and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. The foundation allocated funds from its various activities, including Sportsmen's Saturday. Lexington Medical Center employees also donated money to the project."We are grateful for the commitment of the foundation, which has made rehab services its top priority for several years," said Steve Snelgrove, president of Lexington Medical Center. "The support from the friends of the hospital has made a critical difference in our having a modern hospital that is a source of pride for the community."Wake Forest Baptist Health has matched funds over $10,000 received by the foundation and given to the medical center since the affiliation began with Lexington Memorial Hospital in October 2008. The result has been $1.2 million from Wake Forest Baptist in donations to Lexington Medical Center, according to information provided by LMC.Dwight Davis can be reached at 249-3981, ext, 226 or at dwight.davis@the-dispatch.com.